Achieving Permanency Through Kinship Care

For youth, permanency means family. One permanency option available for youth is kinship care. It is important to understand the policies and resources of kinship care to determine if it is right for the youth you support.

Policies and Resources to Support Kinship Placements and Kinship Caregivers

• The Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) was passed in 2018 with the goal of reducing and restricting the use of institutional settings for foster care, instead increasing kinship care when foster care placement is needed and providing prevention services to keep families together. Go to https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/fostercare/titleiv-e/family-first.php for more information.
• Kinship care refers to relatives or family friends who are caring for youth. Most kinship caregivers are not foster parents and privately provide full-time care for youth. The Kinship Navigator is a New York State support for kinship caregivers and provides information on a wide range of topics including resources, services, laws, and financial assistance. Caregivers can get connected to the New York State Kinship Navigator by calling 877-454-6463. Anyone in New York State, including those that work with youth and families, can call this number. Go to https://www.nysnavigator.org/ for more information.
• The Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KinGAP) is for youth who are in foster care with a relative or non-blood relative. In 2018, the KinGAP policy expanded the definition of a prospective relative guardian and allowed KinGAP financial assistance to extend up to the age of 21.  Go to https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/kinship/background-and-process.php for more information and resources.

Training is also a helpful resource for understanding permanency options including kinship care. In the Professional Development Program (PDP) training, “Permanency Options for Youth in Care”, participants explore the ways in which permanency is achieved, including kinship options and the Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KinGAP). Participants also explore tools to help identify potential kinship caregivers. Check out this training to learn more about supporting youth in achieving permanency.

For more information and support, reach out to the Youth Engagement Specialist (YES) in your region and check out the PDP training “Permanency Options for Youth in Care”.